HOLLY POND, Ala. – Services will be held Tuesday morning for 8-year-old Lillie Handley of Holly Pond. She became known as Princess Lillie throughout the community and according to her mom, Kelly, she “Came out of the womb smiling.” That smile would result in thousands of people coming together in support of Lillie and the Handley family as she courageously battled neuroblastoma.
In May 2016, Lillie received the diagnosis. Over the next five years, she endured countless procedures and despite the efforts, the cancer continued to come back aggressively. In July, when all treatment options had been exhausted, Lillie came home and spent her final weeks surrounded by friends and family.
Over the past weeks, Lillie’s health deteriorated and on the evening of Aug. 20, she passed away peacefully with her parents, Jonathan and Kelly, by her side. In a Facebook post, Kelly wrote, “No more pain for Lillie-she’s completely healed! The Lord blessed us with a wonderful eight years and Lillie touched so many lives through her journey and battles she faced. Her smile never wavered, even in the last few days she was on Earth with us!”
She added, “Lillie, our princess, was one of our biggest blessings! Oh, how we love her!!”
Obituary for Lillie Jayne Handley
Lillie Jayde Handley, an 8-year-old princess, entered into the waiting arms of the King of Kings on Friday evening, Aug. 20. Lillie was born to Jonathan and Kelly Haynes Handley Dec. 26, 2012, in Jefferson County, Alabama.
Lillie was the light of her mother and father’s world. Her joyous spirit was infectious, and she brought happiness, not only to her parents, but to all those who knew her. As most little girls do, Lillie loved pink, glitter and princesses. The more sparkles the better! She loved to have her nails painted, and she was a professional when it came to applying her red lipstick. She enjoyed crafting and cooking. Lillie had quite a large collection of toys, and all her babies had a name- except the Barbies. Apparently, Barbies do not have names. Lillie was a beautiful little girl, both inside and out. Her battle with cancer did not change who she was. She was always smiling and full of joy. Lillie was greatly loved- and she will be greatly missed.
Lillie is survived by her parents: Jonathan and Kelly Handley; brothers: Gabriel and Garrett Handley; grandparents: Rod and Lisa Handley and Dennis and Cheryl Haynes; great-grandmother: Patsy Handley; aunts: Meaghan (Darryl) Avans and Brittany Haynes and a host of cousins.
Funeral services for Lillie will be held at Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church Tuesday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. with Bro. Rick Haney and Bro. Earl Harper officiating. Lillie will lie in state two hours prior to the service time, from 9 a.m. until services begin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in New Hope #2 Cemetery, with Darryl Avans, Doyle Haynes, Jason Haney and Hank Jackson serving as pallbearers.
The family respectfully request that those in attendance wear a mask.
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